Barbara Thompson

Director of Strategy and Special Projects

Barbara Thompson is a seasoned educator and systems leader with over 20 years of experience advancing instructional equity and driving sustainable change. She began her career as an early elementary teacher in the South Bronx, grounding her lifelong commitment to underserved and marginalized communities. 

Barbara led performance management efforts in the Chicago Public Schools and went on to coach school and system leaders in Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City with the Achievement Network. Barbara joined the Detroit Public Schools Community District as Deputy Executive Director of Assessment and Performance Management during a pivotal period of reform. 

Barbara helped drive the launch of Talent Together, a statewide initiative to redesign and expand teacher preparation in Michigan. As Interim Senior Director of Program, she led the development of Talent Together’s innovative model and oversaw the design and implementation of high-quality supports for aspiring educators across more than 400 Michigan school districts. She continues to contribute to the initiative as a strategic advisor. 

Barbara is a founding member of MEWI, where she works to strengthen the educator pipeline and improve student outcomes statewide.

Alma Mater

• The College of Wooster, BA in Psychology and Education

• Columbia University Teachers College, MA in Education Leadership and Policy

Fun Facts

• I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and came back home after 15 years away in Ohio, New York, and Chicago

• I have been married to my college sweetheart for 20 years and we have three delightful children 

• I’ve been a lifelong distance runner and have competed at distances ranging from 800 meters to marathons - but I enjoy taking “runner sabbaticals” now and then!